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• 21. [Article] Landsat-based monitoring of annual wetland change in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, USA from 1972 to 2012

  To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Landsat-based monitoring of annual wetland change in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, USA from 1972 to 2012 Author: Fickas, Kate C., Yang, Zhiqiang, Cohen, Warren B. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer. The published article can be found at: https://link.springer.com/journal/11273 Title: Landsat-based monitoring of annual wetland change in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, USA from 1972 to 2012 Author: Fickas, Kate C., Yang, Zhiqiang, Cohen, Warren B. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer. The published article can be found at: https://link.springer.com/journal/11273 Close

• 22. [Article] Juvenile Salmonid Use of Freshwater Emergent Wetlands in the Floodplain and Its Implications for Conservation Management

  A recent trend of enhancing freshwater emergent wetlands for waterfowl and other wildlife has raised concern about the effects of such measures on juvenile salmonids. We undertook this study to quantify ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Juvenile Salmonid Use of Freshwater Emergent Wetlands in the Floodplain and Its Implications for Conservation Management Author: Gresswell, Robert E., Fleming, Ian A., Henning, Julie A. A recent trend of enhancing freshwater emergent wetlands for waterfowl and other wildlife has raised concern about the effects of such measures on juvenile salmonids. We undertook this study to quantify the degree and extent of juvenile Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. utilization of enhanced and unenhanced emergent wetlands within the floodplain of the lower Chehalis River, Washington, and to determine the fate of the salmon using them. Enhanced emergent wetlands contained water control structures that provided an outlet for fish emigration and a longer hydroperiod for rearing than unenhanced wetlands. Age-0 and age-1 coho salmon O. kisutch were the most common salmonid at all sites, enhanced wetlands having significantly higher age-1 abundance than unenhanced wetlands that were a similar distance from the main-stem river. Yearling coho salmon benefited from rearing in two enhanced wetland habitats, where their specific growth rate and minimum estimates of survival (1.43%/d by weight and 30%; 1.37%/d and 57%) were comparable to those in other side-channel rearing studies. Dissolved oxygen concentrations decreased in emergent wetlands throughout the season and approached the limits lethal to juvenile salmon by May or June each year. Emigration patterns suggested that age-0 and age-1 coho salmon emigrated as habitat conditions declined. This observation was further supported by the results of an experimental release of coho salmon. Survival of fish utilizing emergent wetlands was dependent on movement to the river before water quality decreased or stranding occurred from wetland desiccation. Thus, our results suggest that enhancing freshwater wetlands via water control structures can benefit juvenile salmonids, at least in the short term, by providing conditions for greater growth, survival, and emigration. Title: Juvenile Salmonid Use of Freshwater Emergent Wetlands in the Floodplain and Its Implications for Conservation Management Author: Gresswell, Robert E., Fleming, Ian A., Henning, Julie A. A recent trend of enhancing freshwater emergent wetlands for waterfowl and other wildlife has raised concern about the effects of such measures on juvenile salmonids. We undertook this study to quantify the degree and extent of juvenile Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. utilization of enhanced and unenhanced emergent wetlands within the floodplain of the lower Chehalis River, Washington, and to determine the fate of the salmon using them. Enhanced emergent wetlands contained water control structures that provided an outlet for fish emigration and a longer hydroperiod for rearing than unenhanced wetlands. Age-0 and age-1 coho salmon O. kisutch were the most common salmonid at all sites, enhanced wetlands having significantly higher age-1 abundance than unenhanced wetlands that were a similar distance from the main-stem river. Yearling coho salmon benefited from rearing in two enhanced wetland habitats, where their specific growth rate and minimum estimates of survival (1.43%/d by weight and 30%; 1.37%/d and 57%) were comparable to those in other side-channel rearing studies. Dissolved oxygen concentrations decreased in emergent wetlands throughout the season and approached the limits lethal to juvenile salmon by May or June each year. Emigration patterns suggested that age-0 and age-1 coho salmon emigrated as habitat conditions declined. This observation was further supported by the results of an experimental release of coho salmon. Survival of fish utilizing emergent wetlands was dependent on movement to the river before water quality decreased or stranding occurred from wetland desiccation. Thus, our results suggest that enhancing freshwater wetlands via water control structures can benefit juvenile salmonids, at least in the short term, by providing conditions for greater growth, survival, and emigration. Close

• 23. [Article] Design and construction of demonstration/research wetlands for treatment of dairy farm wastewater

  "EPA 600/R-93/105"

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Design and construction of demonstration/research wetlands for treatment of dairy farm wastewater Author: Gamroth, M. J. (Michael J.), Moore, James A. (James Allan), 1939- "EPA 600/R-93/105" Title: Design and construction of demonstration/research wetlands for treatment of dairy farm wastewater Author: Gamroth, M. J. (Michael J.), Moore, James A. (James Allan), 1939- "EPA 600/R-93/105" Close

• 24. [Article] Grazing management for riparian-wetland areas

  This document presents information from various land managers and researchers to guide livestock management in riparian areas using their unique responsiveness to accomplish management objectives. Riparian ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Grazing management for riparian-wetland areas Author: Swanson, Sherman, Kinch, Gene, United States. Forest Service, National Applied Resource Sciences Center (U.S.), Borman, Michael M., Elsbernd, Van, Leonard, Steve (Stephen G.) This document presents information from various land managers and researchers to guide livestock management in riparian areas using their unique responsiveness to accomplish management objectives. Riparian areas, as interfaces between the aquatic and upland components of the ecosystem comprise mosaics of landforms, communities, and environments within the larger landscape. The structure and processes of riparian areas, more than any other ecosystem, are influenced by their connectivity to adjacent ecosystems. An ecosystem perspective provides an ecological basis for evaluating current grazing practices and other land uses, identifying riparian management objectives, and developing future management alternatives. Title: Grazing management for riparian-wetland areas Author: Swanson, Sherman, Kinch, Gene, United States. Forest Service, National Applied Resource Sciences Center (U.S.), Borman, Michael M., Elsbernd, Van, Leonard, Steve (Stephen G.) This document presents information from various land managers and researchers to guide livestock management in riparian areas using their unique responsiveness to accomplish management objectives. Riparian areas, as interfaces between the aquatic and upland components of the ecosystem comprise mosaics of landforms, communities, and environments within the larger landscape. The structure and processes of riparian areas, more than any other ecosystem, are influenced by their connectivity to adjacent ecosystems. An ecosystem perspective provides an ecological basis for evaluating current grazing practices and other land uses, identifying riparian management objectives, and developing future management alternatives. Close

• 25. [Article] Pacific Northwest Estuarine Wetland Restoration Information Gaps Survey.

  In March 2007, Craig Cornu (South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve), with the assistance of Laura Brophy (Green Point Consulting/Estuary Technical Group, Institute for Applied Ecology), John ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Pacific Northwest Estuarine Wetland Restoration Information Gaps Survey. Author: South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve In March 2007, Craig Cornu (South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve), with the assistance of Laura Brophy (Green Point Consulting/Estuary Technical Group, Institute for Applied Ecology), John Bragg (South Slough NERR) and Derek Sowers (former South Slough NERR), developed the Pacific Northwest Estuarine Wetland Restoration Information Gaps Survey using the on-line format provided by SurveyMonkey.com. The goals of the survey were to: 1) provide an end-user “reality check” with respect to the tidal wetland habitats selected for the development of a reference conditions database for Oregon tidal wetlands (Brophy et al. 2011); and 2) provide the basis for discussions about adaptive approaches to estuarine wetland restoration in the Pacific Northwest at an estuarine wetland restoration advisory group meeting convened at the South Slough NERR in July 2007. The survey was distributed via e-mail on April 3, 2007 to 50 restoration scientists, planners, and practitioners from government agencies, and non-profit, consulting, and academic organizations including watershed associations. The response rate for the survey was 62% (31 respondents). In general, the survey respondents identified priority tidal wetland habitat classes for restoration in Oregon: high and low emergent marsh and scrub shrub and forested swamps. Other survey highlights included: Scrub-shrub and forested tidal wetlands and tidally-influenced freshwater floodplains were the habitats most often mentioned (35% of respondents) when asked which habitat classes are not being restored but should be. Unvegetated tidal flats were the second most commonly mentioned habitat class (10% of respondents). Most respondents undertake effectiveness monitoring as a part of their restoration projects (80%). When asked why they do not conduct effectiveness monitoring (or do not collect as much information as they would like), the overwhelming response was lack of funding. 80% indicated general lack of funding for monitoring, and 52% responded that funders require monitoring but do not provide adequate funding. No respondents (0%) chose administrative constraints or lack of monitoring guidance as obstacles to effectiveness monitoring. Most respondents (70%) report that they conduct monitoring for additional reasons besides evaluation of project effectiveness. The reason given by most respondents (55%) was to contribute to the science of habitat restoration (e.g., evaluate various restoration treatments; answer specific ecological or physical process-based questions). Specific research questions and hypotheses being addressed by respondents are listed in the report. When asked whether they use reference sites as part of project monitoring, most respondents (76%) answered that they did. When asked if they were able to find reference sites from which they could collect useful data, most said they could (70%), but the comments indicated some concern over the appropriateness of the reference sites being used, as well as the need for high quality reference condition datasets. When asked whether and how they would use long term reference condition data sets if such data were made available, an overwhelming number of respondents indicated that they would use them for evaluating restoration projects (93%), designing restoration projects (80%), and evaluating adaptive management options (80%). Finally, the survey asked respondents in four separate questions to articulate their top “burning questions,” which, if answered, would help them improve coastal habitat restoration prioritization, design, implementation, and evaluation. Their responses are listed in the report and became the basis for discussion at the 2007 estuarine wetland restoration advisory group workshop at South Slough NERR. Brophy, L.S., C.E. Cornu, P.R. Adamus, J.A. Christy, A. Gray, L. Huang, M.A. MacClellan, J.A. Doumbia, and R.L. Tully. 2011. New Tools for Tidal Wetland Restoration: Development of a Reference Conditions Database and a Temperature Sensor Method for Detecting Tidal Inundation in Least-disturbed Tidal Wetlands of Oregon, USA. Prepared for the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET). 198pp. Title: Pacific Northwest Estuarine Wetland Restoration Information Gaps Survey. Author: South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve In March 2007, Craig Cornu (South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve), with the assistance of Laura Brophy (Green Point Consulting/Estuary Technical Group, Institute for Applied Ecology), John Bragg (South Slough NERR) and Derek Sowers (former South Slough NERR), developed the Pacific Northwest Estuarine Wetland Restoration Information Gaps Survey using the on-line format provided by SurveyMonkey.com. The goals of the survey were to: 1) provide an end-user “reality check” with respect to the tidal wetland habitats selected for the development of a reference conditions database for Oregon tidal wetlands (Brophy et al. 2011); and 2) provide the basis for discussions about adaptive approaches to estuarine wetland restoration in the Pacific Northwest at an estuarine wetland restoration advisory group meeting convened at the South Slough NERR in July 2007. The survey was distributed via e-mail on April 3, 2007 to 50 restoration scientists, planners, and practitioners from government agencies, and non-profit, consulting, and academic organizations including watershed associations. The response rate for the survey was 62% (31 respondents). In general, the survey respondents identified priority tidal wetland habitat classes for restoration in Oregon: high and low emergent marsh and scrub shrub and forested swamps. Other survey highlights included: Scrub-shrub and forested tidal wetlands and tidally-influenced freshwater floodplains were the habitats most often mentioned (35% of respondents) when asked which habitat classes are not being restored but should be. Unvegetated tidal flats were the second most commonly mentioned habitat class (10% of respondents). Most respondents undertake effectiveness monitoring as a part of their restoration projects (80%). When asked why they do not conduct effectiveness monitoring (or do not collect as much information as they would like), the overwhelming response was lack of funding. 80% indicated general lack of funding for monitoring, and 52% responded that funders require monitoring but do not provide adequate funding. No respondents (0%) chose administrative constraints or lack of monitoring guidance as obstacles to effectiveness monitoring. Most respondents (70%) report that they conduct monitoring for additional reasons besides evaluation of project effectiveness. The reason given by most respondents (55%) was to contribute to the science of habitat restoration (e.g., evaluate various restoration treatments; answer specific ecological or physical process-based questions). Specific research questions and hypotheses being addressed by respondents are listed in the report. When asked whether they use reference sites as part of project monitoring, most respondents (76%) answered that they did. When asked if they were able to find reference sites from which they could collect useful data, most said they could (70%), but the comments indicated some concern over the appropriateness of the reference sites being used, as well as the need for high quality reference condition datasets. When asked whether and how they would use long term reference condition data sets if such data were made available, an overwhelming number of respondents indicated that they would use them for evaluating restoration projects (93%), designing restoration projects (80%), and evaluating adaptive management options (80%). Finally, the survey asked respondents in four separate questions to articulate their top “burning questions,” which, if answered, would help them improve coastal habitat restoration prioritization, design, implementation, and evaluation. Their responses are listed in the report and became the basis for discussion at the 2007 estuarine wetland restoration advisory group workshop at South Slough NERR. Brophy, L.S., C.E. Cornu, P.R. Adamus, J.A. Christy, A. Gray, L. Huang, M.A. MacClellan, J.A. Doumbia, and R.L. Tully. 2011. New Tools for Tidal Wetland Restoration: Development of a Reference Conditions Database and a Temperature Sensor Method for Detecting Tidal Inundation in Least-disturbed Tidal Wetlands of Oregon, USA. Prepared for the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET). 198pp. Close

• 26. [Article] An edaphic study of the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum water garden, Coast Fork of the Willamette River

  Wetlands are widely identified as providing important and fundamental processes valuable for maintaining ecosystem health and diversity. Located in the southern Willamette Valley, the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An edaphic study of the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum water garden, Coast Fork of the Willamette River Author: Bergen, Cameron Francis Wetlands are widely identified as providing important and fundamental processes valuable for maintaining ecosystem health and diversity. Located in the southern Willamette Valley, the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum contains some valuable remaining wetland habitat along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. One goal of the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum is "to promote conservation, research, and awareness of ecology". To reach this goal, the Arboretum has identified the importance of maintenance and enhancement activities for onsite native habitats, including riparian and wetland habitats. Before restoration or enhancement activities can begin, it is essential to develop an understanding of current environmental conditions. The purpose of this research was to document both the characteristics and distribution of hydric soils and the hydrology, and to provide insight into the patterns and processes associated with a floodplain wetland. In this study, transect sampling of edaphic features was used to identify the distribution of hydric soils and the hydrologic nature of the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum Water Garden. Soil morphological data for particle size, matrix colors and redox features were evaluated and compared with observations of ground water hydrology, river hydrology and precipitation. Five stratigraphic units were identified underlying the Water Garden. A basalt Bedrock unit underlies the uplands associated with Mt. Pisgah and extends at least part way beneath the floodplain. The Clay unit was formed above the Bedrock unit, with some degree of encroachment onto the floodplain. Below 153 m are floodplain sediments, cobbles at depth, then a sand layer and silty clay loam at the surface. The Cobble unit overlaps the Bedrock unit at its base and is most likely Pleistocene age alluvium. The Sand unit is of Holocene age and is found only in the abandoned thalweg, tapering off laterally in both directions across the ancient channels. Draped above this all and slightly overlapping the upland Bedrock and Clay units, is the SiCL unit. The SiCL unit represents Holocene age alluvium, fine material deposited by slow moving water and overbank deposition. The Water Garden soils reflect this mosaic of parent materials on a complex slope. Water Garden soils sometimes met saturation requirements for hydric soils, but they did not always meet hydric soil indicator requirements. The hydrological data suggest that the soils in depressional areas of the Water Garden occupy a zone where water is exchanged between saturated sediments surrounding the channel of the Coast Fork and the channel itself. The hydrology of depressional areas with both ponded surface water and near surface saturation was principally the result of hyporheic upwelling. The soils in these depressional areas tended to form redox concentrations that met hydric soil indicator criteria. Hillslope soils in concave footslope positions exhibited hydrology indicating two separate zones of saturation, one near surface, the other at depth, related to infiltration and accumulation of precipitation. Few redoximorphic features were observed in hillslope soils, and the one hydric soil indicator that was used at these locations did not require redox. Accurate and detailed delineation of hydric soils on this landscape and clear determination of dominant sources of saturation provided an improved understanding of the complex nature of the Water Garden wetland. Results of this study show that hydric soils occupy both depressional and hillslope positions within the Water Garden. Delineation of a soil as hydric or non hydric was facilitated by the use of hydric soil indicator criteria, morphology and hydrology. This analysis provides the managers of the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum with an accurate representation of where hydric soils currently exist and the respective sources of saturation. With this information, managers are better equipped to develop restoration and enhancement options that better reflect the current environmental conditions in the Water Garden. Title: An edaphic study of the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum water garden, Coast Fork of the Willamette River Author: Bergen, Cameron Francis Wetlands are widely identified as providing important and fundamental processes valuable for maintaining ecosystem health and diversity. Located in the southern Willamette Valley, the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum contains some valuable remaining wetland habitat along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. One goal of the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum is "to promote conservation, research, and awareness of ecology". To reach this goal, the Arboretum has identified the importance of maintenance and enhancement activities for onsite native habitats, including riparian and wetland habitats. Before restoration or enhancement activities can begin, it is essential to develop an understanding of current environmental conditions. The purpose of this research was to document both the characteristics and distribution of hydric soils and the hydrology, and to provide insight into the patterns and processes associated with a floodplain wetland. In this study, transect sampling of edaphic features was used to identify the distribution of hydric soils and the hydrologic nature of the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum Water Garden. Soil morphological data for particle size, matrix colors and redox features were evaluated and compared with observations of ground water hydrology, river hydrology and precipitation. Five stratigraphic units were identified underlying the Water Garden. A basalt Bedrock unit underlies the uplands associated with Mt. Pisgah and extends at least part way beneath the floodplain. The Clay unit was formed above the Bedrock unit, with some degree of encroachment onto the floodplain. Below 153 m are floodplain sediments, cobbles at depth, then a sand layer and silty clay loam at the surface. The Cobble unit overlaps the Bedrock unit at its base and is most likely Pleistocene age alluvium. The Sand unit is of Holocene age and is found only in the abandoned thalweg, tapering off laterally in both directions across the ancient channels. Draped above this all and slightly overlapping the upland Bedrock and Clay units, is the SiCL unit. The SiCL unit represents Holocene age alluvium, fine material deposited by slow moving water and overbank deposition. The Water Garden soils reflect this mosaic of parent materials on a complex slope. Water Garden soils sometimes met saturation requirements for hydric soils, but they did not always meet hydric soil indicator requirements. The hydrological data suggest that the soils in depressional areas of the Water Garden occupy a zone where water is exchanged between saturated sediments surrounding the channel of the Coast Fork and the channel itself. The hydrology of depressional areas with both ponded surface water and near surface saturation was principally the result of hyporheic upwelling. The soils in these depressional areas tended to form redox concentrations that met hydric soil indicator criteria. Hillslope soils in concave footslope positions exhibited hydrology indicating two separate zones of saturation, one near surface, the other at depth, related to infiltration and accumulation of precipitation. Few redoximorphic features were observed in hillslope soils, and the one hydric soil indicator that was used at these locations did not require redox. Accurate and detailed delineation of hydric soils on this landscape and clear determination of dominant sources of saturation provided an improved understanding of the complex nature of the Water Garden wetland. Results of this study show that hydric soils occupy both depressional and hillslope positions within the Water Garden. Delineation of a soil as hydric or non hydric was facilitated by the use of hydric soil indicator criteria, morphology and hydrology. This analysis provides the managers of the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum with an accurate representation of where hydric soils currently exist and the respective sources of saturation. With this information, managers are better equipped to develop restoration and enhancement options that better reflect the current environmental conditions in the Water Garden. Close

• 27. [Article] Songbirds as sentinels of mercury in terrestrial habitats of eastern North America

  To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Songbirds as sentinels of mercury in terrestrial habitats of eastern North America Author: Adams, Evan M., Evers, David C., et al., Jackson, Allyson K. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/10646. Title: Songbirds as sentinels of mercury in terrestrial habitats of eastern North America Author: Adams, Evan M., Evers, David C., et al., Jackson, Allyson K. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/10646. Close

• 28. [Article] Studies of plant establishment limitations in wetlands of the Willamette Valley, Oregon

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Studies of plant establishment limitations in wetlands of the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station Title: Studies of plant establishment limitations in wetlands of the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station Close

• 29. [Article] Efficacy of Plastic Mesh Tubes in Reducing Herbivory Damage by the Invasive Nutria (Myocastor coypus) in an Urban Restoration Site

  The restoration of stream corridors is becoming an increasingly important component of urban landscape planning, and the high cost of these projects necessitates the need to understand and address potential ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Efficacy of Plastic Mesh Tubes in Reducing Herbivory Damage by the Invasive Nutria (Myocastor coypus) in an Urban Restoration Site Author: Sheffels, Trevor R., Sytsma, Mark D., Carter, Jacoby, Taylor, Jimmy D. Year: 2014 The restoration of stream corridors is becoming an increasingly important component of urban landscape planning, and the high cost of these projects necessitates the need to understand and address potential ecological obstacles to project success. The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is an invasive, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America that causes detrimental ecological impacts in riparian and wetland habitats throughout its introduced range, and techniques are needed to reduce nutria herbivory damage to urban stream restoration projects. We assessed the efficacy of standard Vexar® plastic mesh tubes in reducing nutria herbivory damage to newly established woody plants. The study was conducted in winter-spring 2009 at Delta Ponds, a 60-ha urban waterway in Eugene, Oregon. Woody plants protected by Vexar® tubes demonstrated 100% survival over the 3-month initial establishment period, while only 17% of unprotected plantings survived. Nutria demonstrated a preference for black cottonwood(Populus balsamifera ssp trichocarpa) over red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) and willow (Salix spp). Camera surveillance showed that nutria were more active in unprotected rather than protected treatments. Our results suggest that Vexar® plastic mesh tubing can be an effective short-term herbivory mitigation tool when habitat use by nutria is low. Additionally, planting functionally equivalent woody plant species that are less preferred by nutria, and other herbivores, may be another method for reducing herbivory and improving revegetation success. This study highlights the need to address potential wildlife damage conflicts in the planning process for stream restoration in urban landscapes. Title: Efficacy of Plastic Mesh Tubes in Reducing Herbivory Damage by the Invasive Nutria (Myocastor coypus) in an Urban Restoration Site Author: Sheffels, Trevor R., Sytsma, Mark D., Carter, Jacoby, Taylor, Jimmy D. Year: 2014 The restoration of stream corridors is becoming an increasingly important component of urban landscape planning, and the high cost of these projects necessitates the need to understand and address potential ecological obstacles to project success. The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is an invasive, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America that causes detrimental ecological impacts in riparian and wetland habitats throughout its introduced range, and techniques are needed to reduce nutria herbivory damage to urban stream restoration projects. We assessed the efficacy of standard Vexar® plastic mesh tubes in reducing nutria herbivory damage to newly established woody plants. The study was conducted in winter-spring 2009 at Delta Ponds, a 60-ha urban waterway in Eugene, Oregon. Woody plants protected by Vexar® tubes demonstrated 100% survival over the 3-month initial establishment period, while only 17% of unprotected plantings survived. Nutria demonstrated a preference for black cottonwood(Populus balsamifera ssp trichocarpa) over red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) and willow (Salix spp). Camera surveillance showed that nutria were more active in unprotected rather than protected treatments. Our results suggest that Vexar® plastic mesh tubing can be an effective short-term herbivory mitigation tool when habitat use by nutria is low. Additionally, planting functionally equivalent woody plant species that are less preferred by nutria, and other herbivores, may be another method for reducing herbivory and improving revegetation success. This study highlights the need to address potential wildlife damage conflicts in the planning process for stream restoration in urban landscapes. Close

• 30. [Article] Effects of grass seed agriculture on aquatic invertebrate communities in seasonal wetlands of the southern Willamette Valley, Oregon

  An estimated 99% of native wet prairie has been lost in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, but a large number of seasonal wetlands remain on private lands dedicated to grass seed production within the historical ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of grass seed agriculture on aquatic invertebrate communities in seasonal wetlands of the southern Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Wyss, Lance A. An estimated 99% of native wet prairie has been lost in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, but a large number of seasonal wetlands remain on private lands dedicated to grass seed production within the historical wet prairie landscape. Because agriculture is known to alter physical and chemical wetland conditions, I investigated if aquatic invertebrate communities differed among annual grass seed farmed wetlands, perennial grass seed farmed wetlands, and native wet prairie. I sampled 30 southern Willamette Valley wetlands (n = 10 in each land use category) in spring of 2009 and resampled 28 in spring of 2010 that are hydrogeomorphically classified as Flats. Invertebrate community composition in native wet prairie differed from farmed wetlands (A-stats = 0.37, P < 0.001). Specifically, taxa richness (26.2 ± 1.2 in 2009 and 27.4 ± 1.0 in 2010) and diversity (3.0 ± 0.1 in 2009 and 3.1 ± 0.1 in 2010) were higher. From Indicator Species Analysis, taxa representative of wet prairie included a flightless beetle (Apteraliplus parvulus), a cladoceran (Dumontia oregonensis), an isopod (Caecidotea sp.), Calanoida copepods, and Lymnaeidae snails. Invertebrate density (individuals/m²) did not differ among land-use groups, but biomass (mg/m²) in perennial grass wetlands was greater than annual grass wetlands both years. Biomass in perennial grass farmed wetlands was also higher than native wet prairie in 2009 and similar in 2010. Wetland invertebrate composition was strongly associated with reduced vegetation cover and increases in water turbidity and conductivity with farmed sites having lower cover and higher turbidity and conductivity. These findings suggest grass seed farming practices such as soil tillage and field leveling have affects on invertebrate communities by lowering diversity and richness and altering community composition. However, farmed seasonal wetlands still provide habitat for aquatic invertebrates, contribute to the region's biodiversity, and are substantial food resources for wildlife. This grass seed agricultural landscape is an important seasonal wetland habitat and needs to be incorporated into regional conservation plans. Title: Effects of grass seed agriculture on aquatic invertebrate communities in seasonal wetlands of the southern Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Wyss, Lance A. An estimated 99% of native wet prairie has been lost in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, but a large number of seasonal wetlands remain on private lands dedicated to grass seed production within the historical wet prairie landscape. Because agriculture is known to alter physical and chemical wetland conditions, I investigated if aquatic invertebrate communities differed among annual grass seed farmed wetlands, perennial grass seed farmed wetlands, and native wet prairie. I sampled 30 southern Willamette Valley wetlands (n = 10 in each land use category) in spring of 2009 and resampled 28 in spring of 2010 that are hydrogeomorphically classified as Flats. Invertebrate community composition in native wet prairie differed from farmed wetlands (A-stats = 0.37, P < 0.001). Specifically, taxa richness (26.2 ± 1.2 in 2009 and 27.4 ± 1.0 in 2010) and diversity (3.0 ± 0.1 in 2009 and 3.1 ± 0.1 in 2010) were higher. From Indicator Species Analysis, taxa representative of wet prairie included a flightless beetle (Apteraliplus parvulus), a cladoceran (Dumontia oregonensis), an isopod (Caecidotea sp.), Calanoida copepods, and Lymnaeidae snails. Invertebrate density (individuals/m²) did not differ among land-use groups, but biomass (mg/m²) in perennial grass wetlands was greater than annual grass wetlands both years. Biomass in perennial grass farmed wetlands was also higher than native wet prairie in 2009 and similar in 2010. Wetland invertebrate composition was strongly associated with reduced vegetation cover and increases in water turbidity and conductivity with farmed sites having lower cover and higher turbidity and conductivity. These findings suggest grass seed farming practices such as soil tillage and field leveling have affects on invertebrate communities by lowering diversity and richness and altering community composition. However, farmed seasonal wetlands still provide habitat for aquatic invertebrates, contribute to the region's biodiversity, and are substantial food resources for wildlife. This grass seed agricultural landscape is an important seasonal wetland habitat and needs to be incorporated into regional conservation plans. Close